Dr Mas ('Hatred is blind, too', Nov 12) argues, "The article reflected Bakri's personal views. Now, isn't everybody entitled to one?"

Am I then not entitled to mine? What was wrong with my previous letter? That, I had the gall to challenge a famous surgeon and make reality of the fairy tale that he has spun?

I have argued my points objectively while negating his claims (Though I could have elaborated on some of the other points but I do not like to write lengthy letters.) The main point is even acknowledged by Dr Mas, "True, Bakri living and practising in the US, naturally, must have come to love the place."

So, why am I being accused of being "intolerant of another's view"? Cynical, maybe, but intolerant?

The prejudiced views of Dr Mas are apparent for all to see, "There is really no need to comment on Dr M Bakri Musa's well-meant article in such a critical manner." To this I ask, are we then to keep silent and watch, as innocent Afghan civilians are bombed to death because the United States is on a well-meaning mission to rid the world of terrorists? I say, wrong is wrong no matter how well meant!

Displaying the agility of a seasoned agile limbo dancer, Dr Mas has bent over backwards to support Bakri. Even pointing out the proper context in which the word "emulate" should be taken in. But, the one that literally broke the camel's back is, " Incidentally, was he expressing his opinions as a Muslim or a Malay? The two are by no means synonymous."

I thoroughly recommend Malaysians read our Federal Constitution and memorise the meaning of the word "Malay" as defined there.

Personally, I am of the opinion Dr Mas' letter is a personal attack on my good self. I am surprised that malaysiakini has seen it fit to publish such a letter, as I am aware of a policy adopted by this website to disallow such letters. I am leaving this up to the court of public opinion - the intelligent and open-minded - to decide. What do you think? Should malaysiakini and Dr Mas issue an apology or am I forever to be banished from this "exclusive website" and go back to reading "ordinary newspapers" - whatever that is!

Vote now!